WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2943/98 by Gianfranco DELL'ALBA to the Commission. B7-707 - Human rights and democracy in Asian countries
Date: 1998-10-08
Institutions: DELL'ALBA, European Parliament
Subjects: Asia, Tibetan question, broadcasting, cultural identity, democracy, ethnic group, human rights, linguistic group, protection of minorities, religious group

C 297/38

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

15.10.1999

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 1998)

On 8 April 1998, the Commission decided to launch an investigation under Article 93 (2) of the EC Treaty on
the aid measures included in Greek law nr. 2538/97. In the framework of this procedure, the Commission
expressed its doubts about the conformity with the Treaty of several aid measures, including the debt write-offs
mentioned by the Honourable Member.

The Commission will receive the observations of the Greek government, as well as any remarks from third
parties. Following assessment of this information, the Commission will issue a final decision on these aid
measures.

(1999/C 297/051)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2943/98

by Gianfranco Dell’Alba (TDI) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: B7-707 1 Human rights and democracy in Asian countries

On the initiative of the European Parliament, the European Union budget provides in Item B7-707, Human
rights and democracy in Asian countries, for ECU 5 million covering the promotion of the radio broadcasting
of information by Tibetans.

On 31 July 1998, 7 months after the budget was adopted by the Budgetary Authority, no commitment
appropriation has been committed although specific projects have been presented to the Commission. Since
the Commission entered this budget line in its preliminary draft budget with the same remark and the Council
retained it at first reading, why has the Commission still done nothing and what is it waiting for in order to
implement it?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(17 November 1998)

In the context of its general contacts and specific human rights dialogue with China one of the Commission’s
prime objectives is recognition and protection of the cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious identity of ethnic
minorities in China, and especially in Tibet.

The Commission has decided to take a concrete approach, concentrating on projects within Tibet itself to help
local communities of ethnic Tibetans.

So far none of the projects submitted to it has fitted in with this strategy of positive measures and it has
therefore declined to support them.

It naturally remains willing to give favourable consideration to requests from non-governmental organisations
working in the Autonomous Region of Tibet along the lines set out above.

(1999/C 297/052)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2965/98

by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: Subsidy for Community fishermen affected by ecological bans in third countries

The ecological ban, imposed for the months of September and October by the Mauritanian Government, will
force numerous Community shipowners who specialise in catching black hake to moor their boats in harbour
and face a closed season imposed by this African state.